Medicinal Herbs A - D

Name BETONY Stachys Betonica Common Names Bishopswort, lousewort Description Perennial. Betony grow in woods and marshy thickets. This herb has a thick woody root. The stem will grow up to two feet in height and is grooved. The leaves grow in pairs at relatively wide intervals. The leaves are oblong and up to three inches long. They have a rough, hairy feel. The flowers arise from the stem tops as deep crimson two-lipped blooms, arranged in dense whorls. Parts Used Aerial parts Harvesting The aerial parts of the plant are collected in June and July during flowering. Actions aromatic, bitter, sedative, astringent Effects This is a warming herb which is excellent for Cold conditions of the head and neck. It is also excellent for stimulating the digestion and relaxing tension headaches. It makes a good compress for wounds and bruises. Method A few leaves infused as a tea, drunk twice a day is considered useful for catarrhal headaches, sinusitis and muzzy-headedness. It will also improve circulation. Cautions No contraindications known

Name BORAGE Borago officinalis Common Names  star flower, common bugloss Description  Borage is an annual, with stalked, bristly basal leaves, and smaller, stalkless upper leaves, with bristles on both surfaces. The flowers are blue and star-shaped. It tastes a bit like cucumber. Borage is indigenous to Britain, Europe and North Africa. It prefers disturbed well-drained ground and open and sunny positions. Parts Used  Leaves, flowers, seeds Harvesting The flowers are collected between June and September, the seeds when ripe in the autumn. Leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season Actions Leaves and Flowers - diuretic, demulcent, emollient, diaphoretic, galactagogue, expectorant, Seeds: antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory Effects Used externally as a poultice for eczema and inflammation, pulmonary disease Method  A hot infusion of Borage has a diaphoretic effect in the treatment of colds and flu. Borage seed oil reduces cardiovascular stress by reducing blood pressure and heart rate. The flowers are often used to decorate drinks, or candied as culinary decorations. The young leaves can be added to salads. Cautions Safe in therapeutic doses

Name  CHAMOMILE Anthemis Nobilis Common Names Pinhead. Mayweed Description Chamomile grows up to three feet high. It has feathery leaves and small white daisy-like flowers with white petals and yellow centres Parts used Flowers Harvesting  Flower heads are collected when they are fully open. They are dried and stored in a cool dark place Actions  Anti-inflammatory,vulnerary,antimicrobial, sedative, carminative, antiseptic, anticatarrhal Effects  It is a relaxant and sedative which can ease the spasms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, cramps and period pains. It is a febrifuge, helping to lower temperature caused by infection. Can be used as a hair rinse to lighten the hair. Method An infusion of the flowers Cautions  Allergy to this herb is rare.

Name COMFREY Symphytum officinale Common Names Knitbone, Boneset, Bruisewort. Description Perennial. Comfrey grows in meadows and damp areas and can be grown in your garden. It has a large leafy stem covered with hairs. The leaves are up to ten inches in length and are also hairy. It has drooping white or purple flowers. Parts used Root rhizome and leaf Harvesting Pick leaves after flowering and dig up roots in spring or autumn. Roots should be washed, chopped and dried. Actions Vulnerary, demulcent, antihaemorrhagic, antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, expectorant Effects The common names all refer to its healing ability. It does indeed speed the healing process up dramatically. It will prevent bruises extending, it will ease aching joints, soothe strained muscles and encourage healing of stubborn ulcers on the legs. It does also speed up the knitting of bone. It is of great value as an ointment. Cautions Avoid excessive intake of the root.